Interpretation is the oral form of translation. There are several different types of interpretation from consecutive to simultaneous to over-the-phone to video. What do they all have in common? E-ging offers all of them. What makes them different, and which option is best for you? Keep reading.

CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETATION

Think of consecutive interpretation as a conversation – both start with “c.” The interpreter waits until speaker is done speaking before relaying the message to the listener in the listener’s language and then back to the speaker in their language. Consecutive interpretation works best in small group settings or in one-on-one type situations. Common types of events include parent-teacher conferences, student testing, HR meetings, interviews, medical consultations, court depositions, and client-attorney meetings.  The downside to this type of interpretation is that it can take a long time when going back and forth between speaker, interpreter, and listener.

SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION

Simultaneous interpretation happens as the speech is in progress, hence the term “simultaneous.” Have you ever watched a speech being given by a public figure on television with someone standing off to the side signing? That is an example of simultaneous interpretation. This type of interpretation works best for formal or large group settings such as courtrooms, employee trainings, diplomatic conferences, lectures, presentations, tours, or business and board meetings. (Usually when there is one person speaking to an audience.) Equipment such as wireless receivers, headsets, and microphones are typically involved to help the interpreter relay the message to the audience.

OVER THE PHONE INTERPRETATION (OPI)

The first two options we talked about are great for face-to-face events or events that are planned in advance. What happens when you need an interpreter in 24 hours or less? Some examples of these instances might occur if you have a conference call with an international contact or an ER patient in your hospital that you need to communicate with. We offer this service in over 100 different languages. The advantages to this type of interpretation are that it’s on-demand, no equipment to lease, set-up fees, travel expenses, etc. The disadvantages are that since the interpreter is not present in person, things such as context or speaker expressions might get construed.

VIDEO REMOTE INTERPRETATION (VRI)

This type of service uses devices such as web cameras, videophones, or other services such as SkypeTM to provide interpretation services for sign language or spoken language interpretation. The interpreter is usually offsite, hence “remote,” while the other two parties are located at together at a site. How does it work? This involves audio and video connectivity. In the case of American Sign Language (ASL), the interpreter would listen to the hearing participant and then convey the message to the deaf person via signing and vice versa. This also works for emergency room settings and on-demand situations, and cuts down on travel costs for interpreters.

It is important to make your message available in whatever language, no matter which method you choose. Interpretation can help ensure information is conveyed accurately and appropriately from one party to another.